The total import value for the Netherlands reached €780 billion in 2023, closely following Germany, which led with imports totalling €1,353 billion. Notably, the Netherlands imported nearly as much from non-EU countries (€458 billion) as Germany (€472 billion), with 59 per cent of Dutch goods sourced from outside the EU, a figure only surpassed by Ireland’s 61 per cent.

Germany's import patterns contrast significantly, with just 35 per cent of its goods coming from non-EU countries, focusing more on intra-EU trade. In contrast, the Netherlands and Ireland tend to import more from global markets, with the Netherlands focusing on China and Ireland on the US and the UK, as per CBS.

On the export front, the Netherlands also recorded impressive figures, with exports valued at €866 billion in 2023, making it the EU’s second-largest exporter after Germany, which boasted exports worth €1,562 billion. The Dutch export market is heavily oriented towards the EU, with 70 per cent directed towards EU nations, predominantly as transit trade or re-exports. In comparison, Dutch exports to China and the US are relatively modest, at 3 per cent and 5 per cent respectively, compared to Germany’s 6 per cent and 10 per cent.

The trading dynamics within the EU have seen significant shifts over the decades. In 2003, the Netherlands was not the most important trading partner for any other EU country, a stark contrast to 2023 where it leads as the primary partner for both Germany and Belgium. Historically, Germany and Belgium traded most extensively with each other, and Germany with France. Today, the Netherlands’ main import partner has shifted to China, while Germany predominantly exports to the US.

Germany remains a dominant force within the EU, serving as the most important trading partner for 13 member states due to its economic significance, strategic location, and extensive land borders. Meanwhile, Italy has emerged as the main trading partner for three EU countries, namely Malta, Croatia, and Greece.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)